After losing its first two games of the season, the DeKalb High School football team has a total of two wins since 2000. But a new head coach is hoping to turn things around.

Dan Jones, who took over as interim head coach for the Barbs halfway through last season, is now the full-time head coach.

Last year’s 0-9 season could be attributed to the team’s mid-season coaching change, he said. DeKalb’s troubles are also related to its tough non-conference schedule, which featured five games against teams with winning records.

As new coach of the Barbs, Jones has an optimistic outlook on the 2003 season.

“We have to build each week and work towards ending the losing streak,” he said. It’s easy for a football team to get discouraged without putting up a win over the last year, but Jones said he thinks otherwise. “The kids have a great attitude and are working real hard.”

Jones’ main goal for the success of his team and players is commitment. Jones is trying to focus his players on classwork, community and family.

The Barbs started the season 0-2 with a loss to Rochelle (48-7) and a loss to Sycamore in the opener (22-20).

The Barbs will see action this Friday when they travel to take on St. Charles North (0-2). DeKalb’s next home game will be against Bartlett on Sept. 28 at Huskie Stadium.